WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill to improve the federal crop insurance program.

The measure, authored by House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Combest, R-TX, lowers premiums for farmers and ranchers and provides additional incentives to purchase crop insurance as a risk management tool. It also earmarks funds… for pilot programs to extend coverage to livestock producers and expand programs for specialty crops.

“This bill represents a positive step forward in making needed improvements to the program,” said NFU President Leland Swenson. “While crop insurance cannot replace an effective farm safety net, it is a must for producers who have to routinely cope with disasters. We hope the Senate will take up risk management legislation before Congress adjourns and further strengthen the program for farmers and ranchers.”